Vonda Lee Bronson Wise passed away Dec. 2, 2012. She was born Jan. 5, 1920, the youngest of seven children, to Wilmer Bronson and Naomi Perkins, one of the first families to settle in Monticello, Utah. She and her family, including: sister, Gwyn Bronson Meador and brothers, Verde, Eural, Rex, Karel and Don Bronson, made their way to Moab, where Vonda lived until age 16.

At that point the family moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where she graduated high school with honors. She was recruited as a specialist from Walt Disney Studios to become one of the first women members in the unit known as WAVES to be inducted into the United States Navy, in Washington, D.C. There, she met Chief Specialist Alan Wise, the love of her life. They were married without ceremony, in dress uniform, and within the same year of 1945 were both honorably discharged from the United States Navy.

The couple returned to California where her husband taught her to play golf and they subsequently had two children. Mark Alan Wise, born Jan. 30, 1951 and Karen Edyse Wise, born July 28, 1955. She went on to excel as an amateur championship golfer and the best mother a child could ever know. Upon Alan’s retirement, they relocated to Soboba Springs, Calif., where they lived and loved playing golf every day until his death in February 1987.

Soon after, Vonda decided to come back to her roots and spend time with her sister Gwyn, her dear nephews, Bill and Junior Meador and her beloved neice Donna Bronson Reid. She and her daughter Karen returned to Moab in June of 1990. With the voice of an angel and eminent family history, she quickly joined the Valley Voices and Daughters of Utah Pioneers. There, she shared the joy of song and precious pioneer heritage with hundreds of people. All the while, she never stopped playing golf. From 2001 to 2003 she participated in the Huntsman World Senior Games, never coming home without a medal. She won two bronze and a special gold medal just 10 years ago at the age of 82. No small feat for any golfer. Her excellence and knowledge of the game made her a beloved member of the Moab Golf course.

Her contributions to this community and her love of the countryside will not be forgotten. Thanks to those who loved, respected and admired her. She will never be forgotten. A celebration of her life will be held at Moab Golf Course at noon on Thursday, Dec. 6. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Moab Cancer Society and/or the “First Tee,” an organization that brings self-respect and dignity to children in need.

From Mark and Karen, with great love and appreciation for those of you who have reached out in this time and who continue to show everyday how much she was loved and how much we are loved.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.

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